If you’re moving to Phnom Penh, you’ll probably ask three questions before signing a lease:

  • Can I walk to a decent coffee?
  • Will my rent leave enough money for weekend trips to Kampot?
  • Will I find other people who understand why crossing a Cambodian road feels like an extreme sport?

Choosing the right neighbourhood can make the difference between loving the city and spending six months wondering why your nearest supermarket is a 25-minute tuk-tuk ride away.

Here’s our light-hearted—but genuinely useful—scorecard comparing BKK1, Daun Penh, and Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market).

phnom-penh-neighbourhood-scorecord
Phnom Penh at night

BKK1: The International Favourite

Walkability: ★★★★★
Rental Value: ★★★☆☆
Expat Friendliness: ★★★★★

BKK1 has become Phnom Penh’s unofficial international village.

You can leave your apartment and, within five minutes, find speciality coffee, supermarkets stocking imported cheese, coworking spaces, gyms, pharmacies and restaurants serving almost every cuisine imaginable.

The streets are relatively easy to navigate on foot (although “pedestrian crossings” remain more of a philosophical concept than a guaranteed safety feature).

Rental prices are among the city’s highest. Modern one-bedroom apartments generally command higher monthly rents than neighbouring districts, but many expats happily pay the premium for convenience.

Best for

  • First-time expats
  • Remote workers
  • Embassy staff
  • Professionals wanting minimal commuting

Potential downside

Your favourite café probably has better Wi-Fi than your apartment.

Daun Penh: Historic Charm by the River

Walkability: ★★★★☆
Rental Value: ★★★★☆
Expat Friendliness: ★★★★☆

If BKK1 is Phnom Penh’s polished professional, Daun Penh is its charismatic storyteller.

Home to the Royal Palace, Sisowath Quay and many colonial-era buildings, Daun Penh offers one of the city’s most interesting walking environments. Riverside promenades, local markets and historic architecture create plenty to explore.

The district attracts a diverse mix of tourists, long-term residents and business owners.

Rental options vary enormously. You’ll find everything from renovated colonial apartments with river views to affordable Khmer-style accommodation tucked behind bustling streets.

The trade-off?

Traffic can become lively, particularly around the riverside during evenings and public holidays. “Quiet” is sometimes more of an aspiration than a guarantee.

Best for

  • History lovers
  • Food enthusiasts
  • Digital nomads
  • People who enjoy vibrant city life

Potential downside

Your evening stroll may become an unexpected food tour.

Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market): Relaxed and Affordable

Walkability: ★★★★☆
Rental Value: ★★★★★
Expat Friendliness: ★★★★☆

Often called TTP or simply Russian Market, Toul Tom Poung has become increasingly popular with younger professionals and long-term expats.

The neighbourhood combines affordable rents with excellent cafés, boutique shops, fitness centres and one of Phnom Penh’s most famous markets.

Walking around TTP feels noticeably more relaxed than central Phnom Penh. Side streets are quieter, trees are more common and independent businesses give the area plenty of personality.

Rental prices often represent some of the best value in the city, particularly for newer serviced apartments.

Best for

  • Budget-conscious expats
  • Young professionals
  • Creative freelancers
  • Long-term residents

Potential downside

You’ll probably convince yourself you only needed coffee, then return home carrying handmade pottery, vintage clothing and three plants.

Quick Comparison

Category BKK1 Daun Penh Toul Tom Poung
Walkability ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Rental Value ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Expat Community ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Nightlife ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Historic Character ⭐⭐☆☆☆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Café Culture ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What Expats Should Consider Before Renting

Walkability isn’t simply about pavements. It’s about daily convenience.

Ask yourself:

  • Can you reach supermarkets within ten minutes?
  • Are there cafés with reliable internet?
  • Is there a gym nearby?
  • How easy is it to reach your workplace during rush hour?
  • Are healthcare facilities nearby?
  • Does the neighbourhood still feel comfortable after dark?

A slightly higher rent may actually save money if you’re taking fewer tuk-tuks every day.

Which Neighbourhood Wins?

There’s no universal winner.

Choose BKK1 if convenience is your top priority and you’re happy paying extra for location.

Choose Daun Penh if you love culture, architecture and being close to Phnom Penh’s historic heart.

Choose Toul Tom Poung if you’re looking for excellent value, a friendly community and a more relaxed pace of life.

Fortunately, Phnom Penh isn’t enormous. Even if you choose one district, the others are usually only a short tuk-tuk ride away—assuming traffic decides to cooperate.

Final Thoughts

One of Phnom Penh’s greatest strengths is that every neighbourhood has its own personality. Whether you want riverside sunsets, artisan coffee, colonial architecture or affordable modern apartments, you’ll find a district that suits your lifestyle.

The trick isn’t asking, “Which neighbourhood is best?” It’s asking, “Which neighbourhood feels most like home?”

After all, you’ll spend far more time walking to your favourite café than admiring your lease agreement.

References and other sources:

Contact us

FAQs

About Phnom Penh real estate

Property market